FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. — The birth of a white buffalo, an event viewed as a prophetic omen in traditional Plains Indian cultures, has been reported at a northeastern British Columbia bison ranch.

The calf was born premature, weighing around 20 pounds, and had to be taken from its mother to be bottle-fed, ranch owner Karen Blatz said Monday. Blatz said the calf has grown stronger and seems to enjoy the attention.

"He's definitely going to be a pet around here," Blatz said. "I don't know if he'll be joining the rest of the herd, but if he does well that would be a good possibility.

The odds of a white buffalo birth are about 1 in 10 million, she said.

The calf was named Spirit of Peace because he was born in the North Peace country and because the calf is a sacred symbol of peace, hope, rebirth and unity for numerous Native tribes.

Some Indian writers have compared such births to Christian reports of weeping statues, bleeding icons, crosses of light and images of the Virgin Mary.